IND vs WI: 2nd T20I Review – India clinch the series despite Powell-Pooran show
A valiant effort from Rovman Powell went in vain as India won the second T20I by eight runs, clinching the three-match series 2-0. The clash went right down to the wire as West Indies, chasing 187, looked in the hunt for the best part. However, half-centuries from Nicholas Pooran and Powell weren’t enough as the Indian bowlers held their nerves in the crunch overs.
Earlier in the game, West Indies won the toss and elected to bowl at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata. The pacers had some assistance early on as openers Ishan Kishan departed early. Skipper Rohit Sharma couldn’t go much either. However, Virat Kohli, who had been short of runs lately, brought his A-game out and scored a well-paced fifty.
Rishabh Pant and Venkatesh Iyer provided the late impetus as India posted 186/5 in their allotted 20 overs. In reply, West Indies started steadily with openers Brandon King and Kyle Mayers adding 34 runs for the first wicket. The baton was then passed to Nicholas Pooran and Rovman Powell, who enhanced the scoring rate with some delightful shots.
The duo paced their knock to perfection and kept their side in the hunt. Both batters even went on to score half-centuries as West Indies seemed cruising. However, Indian bowlers pulled things back in the end overs and took their side to an eight-run win. With this triumph, the Men in Blue have also clinched the three-match series 2-0.
Top Performers
Rovman Powell
As mentioned above, Rovman Powell was at his best in the clash. Coming to bat at number four, Powell went after the bowlers straightaway and looked determined to take his side over the line. Needing 23 off four balls, the dasher even smashed Harshal Patel for two consecutive sixes, creating panic in the Indian camp. Unfortunately for the visitors, his 36-ball 68 wasn’t enough.
Roston Chase
India’s total of 186/5 would have been even more formidable, had Roston Chase not delivered a sensational spell. The off-spinner made great utilization of the track conditions and dismissed the likes of Rohit Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav and Virat Kohli. Chase also delivered an economical spell as he ended with figures of 3/25.
What’s next?
With India clinching the series 2-0, the third and last T20I is a mere dead rubber. Hence, the hosts can make quite a few changes in their line-up, giving the benched players a go. On the other hand, West Indies are yet to record a win on this tour. Hence, they would want to make their last assignment fruitful.
